DISCOVERING THE HIDDEN REALITY
A Journey into Christian Mystical Prayer

In his Apostolic Letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope John Paul II had the following to say: “The West is now experiencing a renewed demand for meditation, which at times leads to a keen interest in aspects of other religions. Some Christians, limited in their knowledge of the Christian contemplative tradition, are attracted by those forms of prayer. While the latter contain many elements which are positive and at times compatible with Christian experience, they are often based on ultimately unacceptable premises. Much in vogue among these approaches are methods aimed at attaining a high level of spiritual concentration by using techniques of a psychophysical, repetitive and symbolic nature.” Father Maloney wholeheartedly agrees with this assessment and points out the dangers and pitfalls of such an approach, divorced from Scripture and Tradition (both East and West). The wisdom of the desert Fathers and Mothers comes to our aid in helping us to discover the hidden reality in the world, ourselves and ultimately in the Triune God who dwells in the heart of the believer who seeks a deeper relationship with God in prayer. The contemplation of the “mystics” is not reserved to those who live in convents, monasteries and hermitages. It is for everyone everywhere, in the midst of the turmoil of daily life. In this work, he shows us how – without a lot of methods and techniques – we can enter into this deeper form of prayer and thus “pray always.”

About the Author: Director of Contemplative Ministries in Seal Beach, California, Father George A. Maloney, SJ, is well-known in Roman Catholic and Russian Byzantine Rite circles for his many works on prayer and spirituality. His many Alba House titles include: Called to Be Free (2001), The Mystery of Christ in You (1998), Your Sins Are Forgiven You (1994), The Spirit Broods Over the World (1993), God’s Incredible Mercy (1989), Entering the Heart of Jesus (1988) and Called to Intimacy (1983). He has likewise produced a number of audio tapes for Alba House Communications including Broken But Loved, The Presence of Christ Within You, Jesus Our Joy, Transformation into Christ-Consciousness and Impassioned Heart to name but a few.